Retail buyers have signalled their intent ahead of the industry's lead summer trade event with visitors pre-registering for the Manchester Furniture Show up nearly a quarter on last year.

The July 15–17 show, which takes place at Manchester Central, has seen a 24 percent spike in intended attendance for the 2018 edition, which also features MidPoint for the first time.

In a press release, organisers cited retailers including Lee Longlands, Leekes, Cousins, Midfurn, Rodger’s of York, Smith’s the Rink, Camp Hopson, Aldiss, Beadle & Crome, ScS, Furniture Village and DFS among those to have signalled their intention to visit.

Show director Theresa Raymond said: "We are delighted to see such a substantial increase in the pre-reg numbers.

"It is also very pleasing to see such a long list of buyers from high calibre stores throughout the whole of the British Isles. The addition of MidPoint adds extra gravitas to the show, and gives buyers multiple options to select ranges from volume to high-end. We are expecting a show full of interest and energy.”